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Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Profiling of Estrogen-regulated MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: February 21, 2014
MicroRNAs in breast cancer: Roles, functions, and mechanism of actions
Maryam Abolghasemi1,2, Sadra Samavarchi Tehrani3,4, Tooba Yousefi1,2
1Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies in women in the world. Various factors are involved in the development and promotion of the malignancy; most of them involve changes in the expression of certain genes, such as microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs can regulate signaling pathways negatively or positively, thereby affecting tumorigenesis and various aspects of cancer progression, particularly breast cancer. Besides, accumulating data demonstrated that miRNAs are a novel tool for prognosis and diagnosis of breast cancer patients. Herein, we will review the roles of these RNA molecules in several important signaling pathways, such as transforming growth factor, Wnt, Notch, nuclear factor-κ B, phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt, and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase/mitogen activated protein kinase signaling pathways in breast cancer.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in breast cancer development and progression. These small RNA molecules offer novel diagnostic and prognostic potential for this lethal malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women globally.
- Gene expression alterations, particularly involving microRNAs (miRNAs), are implicated in breast cancer development and progression.
- miRNAs play crucial roles in regulating key cellular processes relevant to tumorigenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of microRNAs in breast cancer.
- To elucidate the involvement of miRNAs in critical signaling pathways driving breast cancer.
- To highlight the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating microRNA function in breast cancer.
- Analysis of miRNA involvement in major signaling pathways including TGF-β, Wnt, Notch, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and ERK/MAPK.
- Synthesis of current data on miRNA-based diagnostics and prognostics.
Main Results:
- miRNAs act as potent regulators, influencing both the initiation and advancement of breast cancer.
- Specific miRNAs are shown to modulate critical oncogenic and tumor-suppressive signaling pathways.
- Emerging evidence supports the utility of miRNAs in breast cancer patient stratification and monitoring.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are integral to breast cancer pathogenesis and progression.
- Targeting miRNA pathways presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
- miRNAs represent valuable biomarkers for improved breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
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